Stacked Farm uses indoor vertical farming systems to grow produce in climate-controlled environments. (Photo courtesy of Stacked Farm)
Stacked Farm has broken ground on its first U.S. farm in Menifee, bringing an indoor vertical farming operation to the northern end of the city.
The facility will be located south of Ethanac Road between Evans and Barnett roads, according to city documents. The groundbreaking was held Sept. 24, according to Councilman Bob Karwin, and Stacked Farm said the facility is expected to open in 2027. The Australian company has been commercially growing and supplying leafy greens since 2024.
City documents state the Menifee operation will produce, process and distribute leafy greens and herbs. Stacked Farm said the facility will grow the same greens as its Australian farms, where its current lineup includes arugula, romaine lettuce, mixed leaf, mesclun, butter leaf lettuce and baby spinach.
According to Stacked Farm, the company grows produce indoors in sealed, climate-controlled rooms using LED lighting instead of sunlight. Water containing nutrients circulates past the roots, with around 90 percent of the water used to grow its plants recycled.
Stacked Farm said automated systems are used to plant, tend and harvest the crops, and the produce is not touched by hand from seed to sealed package. Its greens are grown without pesticides, herbicides or fungicides.
Menifee Economic Development Director Kayla Charters has said the project will bring high-tech jobs to the city. Stacked Farm said its Menifee team will include growers, scientists and engineers and that it is hiring ahead of the facility’s opening.
